Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza)

This native fern, commonly known as licorice fern or sweet-root fern, is found everywhere in the Pacific Northwest. It thrives in humid climates with warm summers and mild, wet winters. They grow on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees, often big leaf maples, but also on the mossy surfaces of rocks, logs, and wet humus. They grow mostly in the winter when other deciduous plants are dormant and shed their leaves, taking advantage of the open canopy light and high moisture. Medicinally, the root rhizomes are used by northwest tribes - shoutout Squamish, Multnomah, Clackamas, Shishalh, Whatcom, Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, plus so many more! The sweet, licorice-flavored root rhizomes are prepared in teas or chewed raw to treat colds and sore throats. For me, this fern really defines the Pacific Northwest and I was so excited to see these little guys thriving on Marquam trail today.